Surah At-Takwir (The Overthrowing): Verse 20

{ ذِي قُوَّةٍ } (Possessor of Strength)

The Third Interpretation:

His statement: {Possessor of Strength} (ذِي قُوَّةٍ).

1. Strength as Physical Might: Some scholars interpret this as sheer intensity/severity.
   • It is narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Gabriel: "Mention your strength to me. What have you achieved?" Gabriel replied: "I lifted the four towns of Lot's people upon the primary feathers of my wing until the inhabitants of the heavens heard the barking of dogs and the crowing of roosters, and then I overturned them."
   • Muqatil mentioned that a devil named Al-Abyad (The White One), who specializes in misleading prophets, intended to tempt the Prophet (PBUH). Gabriel gave him a gentle push that sent him from Mecca to the farthest reaches of India.

2. Strength in Obedience and Knowledge: Others interpret it as:
   • Strength in fulfilling God's obedience and never failing in it, from the beginning of creation until the end of the time of legal accountability.
   • Strength in knowing God and in contemplating His Majesty.

{ مَكِينٍ } (Established/Honored)

The Fourth Interpretation:

His statement, the Almighty: {Established near the Owner of the Throne} (عِنْدَ ذِي الْعَرْشِ مَكِينٍ).

• This "nearness" (عندية) is not physical proximity, like His statement: {And those who are with Him exalt His praise night and day, without weariness} (Quran 21:20).
• It is not proximity of direction, as evidenced by the saying: "I am near to those whose hearts are broken."
• Rather, it is the nearness of honor, distinction, and glorification.

As for the word {Established} (مَكِين):

• Al-Kisa'i said: It is said, "So-and-so became makīn (established/honored) with so-and-so" (with a dammah on the kāf), meaning he attained high status (مَكْنَة and مَكَانَة).
• Therefore, Al-Makīn is the one possessing prestige and authority who grants what is asked of him.

{ مُطَاعٍ ثُمَّ أَمِينٍ } (Obeyed, then Trustworthy)

(This section introduces the next part of the verse, which is not fully provided in the excerpt.)